A tragic incident unfolded in South Waziristan on Monday when militants targeted a polio vaccination team, resulting in the death of a police constable and one of the attackers, according to local police officials.
The fallen constable was on duty, providing security for health workers participating in Pakistan’s nationwide polio eradication campaign. In the exchange of gunfire, one of the militants was also killed.
Security forces recovered weapons and equipment from the deceased attacker, including a rocket launcher, a machine gun, two motorcycles, a national ID card, three ATM cards, and a smartphone. A case has been registered at the CTD Azam Warsak police station for further investigation.
The attack comes just one day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the second phase of this year’s nationwide anti-polio drive, running from April 21 to 27.
Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic. Vaccination efforts are often disrupted by violent attacks, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.
Since the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks, many of which are believed to be planned from across the border. Islamabad has repeatedly voiced concerns over cross-border terrorism.
In 2024 alone, 20 people have been killed and over 50 injured during polio campaigns in KP. In a similar incident this past February, a police officer was gunned down in Bajaur while on his way to provide security to a polio team.
Despite these dangers, frontline workers and security personnel continue to risk their lives to ensure the health and safety of future generations.
